August ended with yet another packed and memorable weekend in Georgia. This time, our journey took us from the hills near Kojori to the refreshing waters of the Tbilisi Sea, and finally to the historical town of Gori, where we enjoyed a hearty Sunday brunch and paid a visit to the ancient Ateni Sioni Church.
I had heard so much about Azeula Fortress (also known as Kojori Fortress) over the years, yet for some reason, I had never actually made the trip. That changed at the end of August, when we finally decided to explore it.
Perched high above Kojori, just a short drive from Tbilisi, the fortress is a fascinating blend of medieval history and natural beauty. The hike up is moderately challenging but completely worth it, with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Walking among the ancient ruins felt like uncovering a long-awaited piece of Georgian history I had always wanted to see for myself.
After exploring Azeula, we headed back home and later in the evening for a cool-down session at the Tbilisi Sea. This large artificial lake, officially called the Tbilisi Reservoir, is a favorite summer destination for locals — and for us, too.
We’ve been coming here occasionally for more than a decade, and every visit feels like a reset button. On this trip, Renee actually did her second swim in the reservoir, with her first one having been recorded back in 2019. Seeing her take to the water again after all those years added a very personal highlight to the day.
The water was crisp, the air breezy, and spending a couple of hours swimming there felt like a mini holiday within the weekend.
Sunday morning our journey then continued west to Gori, a city that has somehow gotten onto our travel radar lately. In fact, we find ourselves visiting Gori quite often these days, and it almost feels like no trip is complete without a stop there.
One of the main reasons? Erisoni Restaurant. At this point, I’m not even sure whether Gori is the destination and Erisoni is the reward, or if Erisoni itself is the true goal of the trip. Either way, the restaurant has become a must-visit for us.
Serving up authentic Georgian cuisine with generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere, Erisoni never disappoints. From khachapuri to goris cutler, every dish hits the mark, making brunch there a highlight of any weekend journey.
After filling up at Erisoni, we made our way to Ateni Sioni, a 7th-century Georgian Orthodox church nestled in the beautiful Ateni Valley.
I first came here back in 2016, and it’s been fascinating to see the progress and improvements made since then. The most noticeable change is the construction of a metal footbridge, which has made access to the site much easier and more comfortable. The church itself remains as awe-inspiring as ever, surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills, but now the infrastructure adds a layer of convenience for visitors.
Inside, the ancient frescoes and inscriptions continue to tell their centuries-old stories, reminding us why this site is one of Georgia’s historical treasures.
This weekend journey — from finally ticking Azeula Fortress near Kojori off my list, to a swim in the Tbilisi Sea (with Renee’s second-ever swim in the reservoir), to enjoying yet another unforgettable brunch at Erisoni in Gori, and closing the trip with a visit to the ever-improving Ateni Sioni Church — was the perfect way to end August.
Georgia continues to amaze with its mix of history, landscapes, and warm hospitality. Whether the goal is discovering new places or revisiting favorites like Erisoni and Ateni Sioni, every weekend trip turns into a memorable adventure.